First iPod virus found

Security firm Kaspersky has identified the first virus possible of infecting Apple's iPod. Although this virus is not malicious in nature and is impossible to spread on its own, it has been identified as a "proof of concept" virus. What this means, the developers of the virus have released the file to show that it is possible to infect the platform and can become a problem should the decide to release it upon the world.

In its current form, the virus known as Podloso can only "infect" the iPod with direct user involvement. As stated, being proof of concept only, it has no means of self propogating. Once launched, it scans the hard drive and attaches itself to any executable (.elf) file found. Once any application on the iPod is launched, the user will be treated to a splash screen stating, "You are infected with Oslo the first iPodLinux Virus".

As evident from its message, the Podloso virus only infects those iPods running Linux as its operating system.

No details were found of its origination and as stated before, this virus poses no real threat, carries no malicious payload and can only be infected if you, the user, specifically launches the virus package. Apparently the creators just wanted word to spread that they are not safe anymore.